Objective:
The Nutrient Data Laboratory (NDL) will provide scientific and technical expertise for acquisition, evaluation, and compilation of composition data for foods. NDL will develop and implement appropriate sampling strategies, define and direct the analytical program, and evaluate quality of data received. Resulting data will be disseminated at regular intervals through electronic media. NDL will provide supervision of scientists, administrative support, space, and additional personnel to carry out this program.

Approach:
NDL will continue to expand and improve the databases for as many as 146 components in foods to assure the representativeness and timeliness of those values. Under the comprehensive National Food and Analysis Program, data for traditional components will be updated while data for emerging components will be added. These will include sodium, specific forms of vitamins E and D, and individual fatty acids. Data will be obtained through USDA-directed contracts with commercial labs and collaborative agreements with universities and other government labs. Labs will be selected in a competitive process according to their use of valid methods and quality control procedures for individual components. Research concerning the variability of nutrients in specific foods will be initiated. Efforts will continue to determine the appropriate methods of data dissemination in keeping with rapidly changing computer and internet technology.